Research progress of effects of transanal irrigation on intestinal dysfunction after spinal cord injury

Neurogenic bowel dysfunction is a common complication after spinal cord injury mainly on abdominal distension, constipation and fecal incontinence which has serious negative influences on patients' lives. Transanal irrigation is a novel intervention method which has been widely used at home and abroad. Clinical practice results showed that transanal irrigation can improve the intestinal function as well as quality of life of patients. A total of five aspects were reviewed in this article, the summary of neurogenic bowel dysfunction, summary of transanal irrigation, intervention strategies, complications and continuous nursing. Key words: Review; Spinal cord injuries; Transanal irrigation; Neurogenic bowel dysfunction; Research progress